Smartphones & Gear

Navigon MobileNavigator for Windows Phones Review

Navigon MobileNavigator for Windows Phones Review

A few years back, I was a big fan of OnCourse Navigator version 5 running on Windows Mobile PDAs. The interesting things here is that OCN5 was really just the name for the North American release of Navigon MobileNavigator. And although OCN 5 wasn’t terribly stable, it was one of the best-looking navigators out there at the time. So then they disappeared from the North American market. OCN 6 was actually a rebadged iGo 6, not a Navigon product anymore. So now, on the heels of a successful iPhone product, Navigon have reentered the market with MobileNavigator for Windows Phones. So where did they go? What happened? More important,…

IM+ Lite for BlackBerry Review

IM+ Lite for BlackBerry Review

An ongoing problem these days is simply how to keep up with everything and everyone? You’ve got email, Twitter, Facebook, Instant Messaging (or IM’ing as the kids simply abbreviate it these days). Don’t forget SMS texting. Unless you’re out on Mount Kilimanjaro you better get used to the expectation of being connected — and reachable — by at least ten different communication methods. And they’ll all be used before you even get a phone call. With this onslaught of communication overload, how are you going to manage? Are you going to ball up in the fetal position and cry yourself…

Dacha Works Module SmartCase for iPhone 3G and 3Gs Review

Dacha Works Module SmartCase for iPhone 3G and 3Gs Review

Often times case manufacturers work hard at creating cases that look great but in doing so sacrifice how the cases feels when held in your hand. Ergonomics play a key role in keeping you comfortable while sitting at your desk, on your computer. The Module SmartCase from Dacha Works seeks to create the same level of comfort for your hand while it’s using your iPhone. Dacha Works claims the Module SmartCase is the first all-purpose iPhone case to proactively augment the iPhone form factor to greatly improve the user experience. How did it work out for me? Click on through…

PDAir's Aluminum Case Increases the Droid's Geek Factor Review

PDAir’s Aluminum Case Increases the Droid’s Geek Factor Review

After several years of mobile device designs trending toward smooth, curving lines and symmetrical shapes, the Motorola Droid stands out. Sure, you’ll see lots of non-geeks carrying it, but from the angular design of the device itself to the style of the commercials Verizon developed to sell it, it’s clear that the Droid is intended to appeal to the technologically inclined. So, how does one take a geeky device like the Droid and amp the geek factor? You slap a metal case on it, that’s how.

Sena Leatherskin for Blackberry Bold 9700 - Review

Sena Leatherskin for Blackberry Bold 9700 – Review

Yesterday I reviewed one of Sena’s iPhone pouches –the Corsa Pouch. The company was kind enough to send one of their BlackBerry Bold 9700 cases, the Leatherskin, for review as well. This case takes a more traditional approach to protecting the smartphone — it wraps around the back, sides and part of the front of the phone giving protection to everything except the screen and the keyboard. Like everything else from the company the fit and finish are excellent and the leather is top quality. Let’s take a look.

Kindle for BlackBerry Review

eBooks, Reviews

Kindle for BlackBerry Review

Since last week’s official release of the Kindle App for BlackBerry, I’ve been putting it through its paces — and, quite honestly, comparing it to the other Kindle mobile app. You know, the one for the iPhone. How does the BlackBerry version stack up? Is it good enough on its own merits to catch a quick read when you don’t have your dedicated eReader with you? Can it substitute a full-size eReader? Most importantly, are you be willing to read an entire eBook from your ‘Berry? Don’t let that image above fool you, the screens on newer BlackBerry smartphones are…

Samsung Jitterbug J Mobile Phone Review

Samsung Jitterbug J Mobile Phone Review

Sometimes you need a phone that just does the basics. Just calling and possibly texting. You also want the phone to be easy and, if possible, you would like the service plan to be very understandable and affordable. The Jitterbug J and Jitterbug’s service may be just what you are looking for. I was sent a 30 day loan of a Jitterbug J in red with the American Heart Association Go Red for Women’s heart health logo’s emblazoned on the box. Jitterbug has donated $500,000 dollars for Go Red for Women, which is definitely a worthy cause.

Whoomp! Review: Boost Apple's Ear Buds for Even Less

Whoomp! Review: Boost Apple’s Ear Buds for Even Less

It’s not a big secret. The ear buds Apple provides with all of its iPods & iPhones aren’t great. Okay I was being kind, they suck! They do a decent job of providing sound but they often fit poorly. Apple used to provide the ear buds along with two sets of those foam covers which help keep the buds seated in your ear but they stopped doing so. While traveling last week I came across the Whoomp Ear Bud Enhancers by Comply. The Whoomps claim to better the fit of your iPod or iPhone ear buds along with offering a…

Trexta Racing Series Case for iPhone Review: makes me go vroom vroom

Trexta Racing Series Case for iPhone Review: makes me go vroom vroom

Snap on back covers are a popular category in the over-crowded iPhone case market. These simple to put on cases mostly protect the back of the iPhone and keep the phone’s profile slim. Trexta has been making accessories for wireless devices for over ten years but just recently began doing so for Apple devices. Their racing series case, which is made from genuine leather, is inspired by elements straight from the speedway. Since snap on back covers for the iPhone are available in so many variations it’s important that when companies release new versions they offer something different. Does the…

HTC Introduces The HD Mini Windows Phone

HTC Introduces The HD Mini Windows Phone

click to enlarge HTC is introducing a new Windows Phone this morning — the HD Mini. Specifications on the first press release that I received were pretty sparse, as it only said the HD Mini would be “sleek, well-crafted and easy to use,” that it would have a capacitive touchscreen, and that it would offer personal WiFi for your computer or other devices. Because HTC was being stingy with the specs (up until almost midnight last night), I consulted my Magic 8 ball to answer the questions not covered by the vague initial press release, and these were its replies:…

HTC Introduces the Legend and Desire Android Phones

HTC Introduces the Legend and Desire Android Phones

the HTC Legend (click to enlarge) This morning HTC is introducing two new Android handsets, the Legend and Desire. Both sport “an enhanced HTC Sense experience that will … take Android to the next level.” Both will also have “broad improvements to applications including the browser, email client and others.” The Legend includes a 3.2″ AMOLED HVGA display. HTC has replaced the trackball with an optical joystick, “surrounded by a narrow button to improve usability without interrupting its unique design.” I won’t know how well it works until I give it a try, but the optical joystick looks pretty quirky….

The AT&T LG eXpo Windows Phone with Pico Projector Review

The AT&T LG eXpo Windows Phone with Pico Projector Review

This is a joint review between Jason and Judie. Jason’s comments will be in black; Judie’s will be in blue italics. I recently got to spend a few days with the AT&T LG eXpo. Quite honestly, the main attraction for wanting to use this Windows Mobile 6.5 packin’ phone is its ability to be used with a Pico Projector add-on for presentations, demos, or home movies. As misfortune would have it, the demo unit I was sent shipped without the Pico Projector. Arggggghhhhh! : -( I received the LG eXpo a little over a month ago. Just like Jason, I…

Case-Mate Turtle Case for iPhone 3G/3Gs Review

Case-Mate Turtle Case for iPhone 3G/3Gs Review

There are not a lot of choices when it comes to maximum protection for your iPhone. One of Case-Mate‘s newest additions, the Turtle Case, seeks to join the select group. The two-part plastic and silicone construction of the Turtle case means you’ll “have the best armor available for the more delicate iPhone technology inside.” It features a super tight fit and two levels of shock and impact protection for your phone complete in a stylish design that’s sure to garner some attention. The case comes in four color varieties and is available directly from Case-Mate for $29.99 Click on through…

The Inbrics M1 Android Mobile Internet Device

Mobile World Congress will be kicking off in about a week, and the new device frenzy has already started. One of the items shown will be the Inbrics M1, an Android-based mobile internet device (MID) with a “3 screen plus” media convergence platform”. We’ve been hearing about the M1 since late last year, and it also made a CES debut. Now what some have called “possibly the ultimate Android device” may be that much closer to actually being available for purchase. The M1 has everything you could want in an MID, including Wi-Fi 802.11, an AMOLED touch screen that slides…

Nexus One Desktop Dock Mini-Review

Nexus One Desktop Dock Mini-Review

When we heard that the Nexus One Desktop Dock was finally available, I knew that I would have to order one for home and the office. Read on for some thoughts on the dock’s unique features, as well as comparisons to the BlackBerry 9700 and iPhone docks.

Diving Into the Nokia N900

Diving Into the Nokia N900

One of the devices that I most enjoyed seeing demonstrated at CES was the Nokia N900. This pocket computer’s impressive specifications, its solid build, its multitasking capabilities, a web browser that looked like it could take on the iPhone’s, and yes, I’ll admit it — the cool little widgets on its personalized desktops had me intrigued. But what I really wanted was to spend a bit of time getting to know one on my own. My contact at Nokia promised that she would send a review unit, and two days ago “mine” arrived. There was a bit of a FedEx…

Gen. Y Dualboot lets you pick your poison...Android or Windows Mobile

How to Do It Yourself!

Gen. Y Dualboot lets you pick your poison…Android or Windows Mobile

Image Courtesy of PocketNow Tired of your WinMo OS or want to give Android a try? Pocketnow has a nice video of a simple linux bootloader that allows you to choose between Android or WinMo as a bootup option on your Windows Mobile phone. I don’t know what phones this is compatible with, but I’m gonna assume you can use any phone that has an Android Rom ported for it, or maybe just try out a vanilla Android Rom on your device. See it in action after the break. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Nvj4ObHmxCI Ultimately I hope to see a working Android Rom for the HTC HD2….

Switch Easy Nude for iPhone 3G/3Gs Review

Switch Easy Nude for iPhone 3G/3Gs Review

Want to keep your iPhone’s form factor as close to the way it was when you first pulled it out of the box but still protect it? There are skins that will do it, but these are often hard to install. The Switch Easy Nude case measures at only .08mm of thickness. It comes in 6 colors and includes two crystal clear screen protectors. At only $19.99 this case offers the absolute closest thing to a naked phone that I’ve seen. Check out my video review below then head to the Switch Easy web site and grab one.

PDAir's New Motorola Droid Cases Reviewed

PDAir’s New Motorola Droid Cases Reviewed

PDAir makes cases and accessories for a wide range of mobile devices. Their products are typically well made and reasonably priced. We’ve reviewed PDAir cases on Gear Diary before, recently reviewing a couple of their iPhone 3G/3GS cases. So, when PDAir offered to provide Gear Diary with a couple of their new Motorola Droid cases to review, we said yes. As a still relatively new device, there is a fairly limited range of cases available for the Droid. Sure, you can pick up snap-on covers for the Droid at the Verizon store, but they don’t offer much protection for the…

Case-Mate Mahogany Case for iPhone 3G &3Gs Review

Case-Mate blew us away a CES this year with their 2010 product line up. One case not even included in the mix at the show was their Mahogany Case for the iPhone 3G and 3Gs. The case, which is machine carved from 100% recycled mahogany is a stunner to both look at and to hold. It’s smooth as silk and keeps your iPhone safely protected inside a thick layer of wood. The case is available for $49.99 directly from the Case-Mate web site here. Watch my video review to see this beauty live and in color.

Otterbox BlackBerry Bold 9700 Defender Case - Review

Otterbox BlackBerry Bold 9700 Defender Case – Review

This is a joint review from Thomas and Dan. Dan’s comments are in black, and Thomas’ are in blue italics. Dan – Thomas was kind enough to send me his Blackberry Bold 9700 a few weeks ago. I have an AT&T branded version of the phone. His phone, however, had one distinct advantage over mine — because it is on T-Mobile it has a truly inexpensive international calling and data plan available. So I brought it to Las Vegas with me for CES and then carried it with me to the wedding I attended in Cabo. Because the connecting flights…

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